“Space saver”
True but the risk of keeping e-books are higher. The moment the harddisk goes down – that’s it, unless you still have access to the accounts where you can download them again.

The only reason why I would get an e-book would be the accessibility to the text and the availability of a search function, since I require textbooks to do my assignments. And yes, the other reason would be that I can actually cart 100s of such textbooks wherever I go in my notebook computer. Can’t do that with printed books – the most I can carry along with me is 2, 3 is pushing it.

The reasons though to stick to printed books are that they are personal, I can write on it, I can hug and I can show it off

But more often than not, the accessibility, convenience and search function trumps it all. And now I have a dilemma – should I spend extra to get the e-books when I already have the printed copies sitting on my shelves.

Technology changes: There is still a risk that sometime in the future the technology changes and the ebooks available today may not be readable in the future; i.e. VHS, cassettes, etc.
Book banning: If any types of books are banned, it would be easier to eliminate the ebook version as compared to the physical version which can be hidden, moved to another location, etc. Ok so you might say this will never happen! Really, many school districts already ban some books like catcher in the rye, Tom Soyer, Huckleberry Fin, etc. Also, some of the recent Supreme Court nominees and individuals in the adminstration believe the gov has the ability to limit books who do not communicate the truth, or taken other positions.

In another aspect, I’m not sure why ebooks are the same price as physical copies anyway, there is not cost of distribution (or as much), no printing costs, no inventory costs, etc. eBooks should be substantially less.

Yet another question, why don’t the distribution offer the option to download the ebook version if you buy the physical copy, or even offer a bundle option (physical copy and ebook) and if they don’t want to include the ebook version for free, at least charge a nominal amount (less than $5). This will then satisfy those who want a physical copy but may also want the ebook version for travel.

Though i agree with your arguments that a physical book has a different appeal. You can share it, you can touch it. Though It felt different when I really liked my e-reader.

“Lower price”
Really? I thought one of the main complaints right now with ebooks are that they aren’t that cheaper than the paper version. Considering they are delivered electronically and no tree is killed in their production, ebooks should be very very cheap not just have a lower price.

“Space saver”
That’s why there are book swaps. But yeah, personally (with a few exceptions) I hate giving a book away.

“Friendlier to trees”
This one is debatable and I think it’s unfair to call one more green unless a study is conducted.

I actually have another article still in the drafts regarding this issue but I’m holding it for a while lest my readers think I’m so anti-ereader. Haha!